Frequently Asked Questions
PBW
Is PBW safe to use in a Co2 environment?
Yes, PBW is an alkaline cleaner and not caustic, so it is safe to use in Co2 environments.
How long is PBW good for once it’s mixed as a solution?
8-10hours
What is the shelf life of PBW?
6 months to a year.
Is PBW hazardous?
No
What does PBW remove?
PBW will remove any organic soil, proteins, and stains.
Why did my PBW solution turn blue when soaking copper?
The change in color occurs because of the chemical properties of the copper.
Is it ok to leave PBW in a keg overnight with rubber seals?
The PBW will be find with rubber seals but shouldn’t be left for more than 8-12 hours as it could leave a PBW scale.
Is PBW safe to use on stainless steel?
Yes, PBW is safe for most brewing equipment, but be sure to check the recommended concentrations and soak time and avoid aluminum.
What happens if I bottled my brew without rinsing the PBW off?
Forgetting to rinse off the PBW may seriously affect the taste of your brew as well as not be safe for consumption.
Star San
What does Star San break down to?
Star San will break down into a sugar and dissolve as an extra nutrient in the beer.
Why is my Star San cloudy?
Cloudiness in Star San may become cloudy is over a year old or because of hard water minerals reacting.
How long is Star San good for once it’s mixed into a solution?
Star San is an EPAs registered sanitizer and must be used immediately. We do not recommend using it if has been in solution longer than an hour.
How do I clean up spilled Star San?
Be sure to heavily dilute and pour baking soda over the spill. Baking soda should make it a thicker consistency.
Can I use Star San to sanitize my pets accessories?
No, Star San is hazardous to animals.
Is Star San septic safe?
Yes, but when disposing of the chemical you will want to have the water running to ensure that it is heavily diluted. Once the bottle is empty have the water run for another minute or two.
Do bottles need to dry after using Star San to sanitize or can they be filled immediately?
There is no need to rinse the Star San as long as you have followed proper dilution recommendations. Don’t fear the foam.
What is the dilution ratio?
1 oz. of Star San to 5 gallons of water.
Saniclean
What is the ratio of dilution for a keg cleaner?
1 oz to 3 gallons
Acid #5
If the Acid #5 changes colors, has it lost its effectiveness?
No, over time the nitric acid in the product eats away at the dye. The typical shelf life is one year.
If I’m going to passivate with Acid #5, can I use the same batch on multiple tanks?
Yes, you can transfer the Acid #5 from tank to tank.
Is Acid #5 ok to use on brass fittings?
We only recommend using PBW and Star San or Saniclean on brass. Eventually Acid #5 will eat through the brass fittings.
Acid #6
Can Acid #6 mixed per label directions be disposed of in a drain that empties to a septic system?
You should check you local regulations, but typically we recommend neutralizing it before draining. pH should be between 6-8 to be neutral.